August 2015

OUR REGION

North Texas’ network of walking and bicycling infrastructure around rail stations was recently documented in a study that will help decision-makers prioritize investments needed to improve access to transit services.

The NCTCOG study identified existing and planned sidewalks, trails and bikeways around 74 light rail and commuter rail stations operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the Trinity Railway Express and the Denton County Transportation Authority in 14 cities across four counties. The study also considered how far pedestrians must walk between stations and their destinations, which may be impacted by gaps in the sidewalk network and other barriers such as waterways, major roadways and highways lacking pedestrian accommodations. The results will help community stakeholders and decision-makers better understand which areas need further study and possible infrastructure investments as the region seeks to improve network connectivity, increase the “first mile/last mile” connections to each station and find opportunities to make transit trips easier for potential riders. More information about the study can be found at NCTCOG.org/routestorail.

Rangers announce opening of new commuter lot at Globe Life Park

Another new park-and-ride lot has opened in the center of the region. The new facility is a result of a partnership between the Texas Rangers and North Central Texas Council of Governments. Last month, the Rangers and city of Arlington announced a designated 100 parking spaces in Lot G at Globe Life Park in Arlington are now available from 6:30 am to 7 pm weekdays at no cost to commuters and event-goers. In addition, the lot will offer easy access to Interstate Highway 30 from its location on East Copeland Road at AT&T Way. On July 29, Rangers infielders Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor helped launch the park-and-ride by meeting at the lot, then carpooling to the ballpark. The move by the Rangers followed the announcement earlier in July that a 328-space park-and-ride lot near Belt Line Road and IH 30 in Grand Prairie is now open. It is hoped the central location of these facilities will encourage ridesharing to work and special events among residents of an area with a growing list of such options.

RTC POLICYMAKERS

RTC meetings to be streamed live

Regional Transportation Council meetings will be accessible live from anywhere in the region or around the world beginning in September. Senate Bill 1237, approved during the 84th Legislature, requires metropolitan planning organizations in regions with populations of 350,000 or more to record meetings of their policy boards and make them available live via the Internet. Although RTC meetings have not been available live online before, NCTCOG has been recording the meetings since 2012 and posting them at NCTCOG.org/meetings. Select public meetings and workshops are also recorded and posted to the same location.

Last September, NCTCOG streamed its first live event, a public meeting about the Blacklands Corridor, allowing people unable to attend the chance to follow the proceedings.

Turn the key and idle free

With the heat of summer officially here, minimizing unnecessary vehicle exhaust has become critically important in maintaining healthy ozone levels. So whether you are waiting on a friend to carpool to work or using the drive-thru lane to grab lunch, remember that your actions directly impact regional air quality. Simple decisions such as parking in the shade to stay cool or walking inside to order your food can have a big impact this summer. To learn more, visit EngineOffNorthTexas.org.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

EVs to take center stage Sept. 19

Did you know that Texas is ranked sixth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road?

The North Central Texas Council of Governments and Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition invite residents to Grapevine Mills Mall on September 19 to learn about this exciting technology.

This National Drive Electric Week event starts at 10 am and aims to help North Texans learn more about EVs and vehicle charging options. The event will include hands-on activities for adults and children, as well as entertainment, giveaways and “ride and drives.”

Mobility 2040: take survey, submit comments

Over 2,300 people have taken a survey as part of the development process for Mobility 2040, the region’s next long-range transportation plan.

The survey will be available at NCTCOG.org/survey2040 until September, and print copies will be mailed upon request. Planners are encouraging the public to take the survey and submit comments to inform the planning process.

Mobility 2040 will serve as a blueprint for the region’s multimodal transportation system and guide spending of federal and state transportation funds for the next 20-plus years. During that time, the region’s population is projected to grow to 10.7 million.

Draft recommendations of the long-range transportation plan are expected to be available late this year, and RTC approval would likely come in spring 2016.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments is expected to open the Clean Fleets North Texas 2015 Call for Projects in August. This call for projects, which the Regional Transportation Council must first approve, will provide approximately $2.5 million for public and private fleets operating in the 10-county ozone nonattainment area. Funded projects will help reduce vehicle emissions and assist the Dallas-Fort Worth area in meeting the federal ozone standard. Project types eligible for grant funding include qualifying new-vehicle purchase, replacement, repower, retrofit, engine conversion and installation of idle-reduction technologies on school buses.

Up to 80 percent in grant funding will be awarded to eligible projects. Applications will be accepted August 17 through 5 pm October 23. Applicants must adopt the Clean Fleet Policy prior to the deadline. For more information, visit NCTCOG.org/aqfunding or email aqgrants@nctcog.org.

Public comments

Comments or questions about transportation or air quality topics may be submitted at any time. Submit questions or comments online or send them to: